Smile for Your Child

About the Book

2010-07-31T06:29:00.000-07:00

This book is written by a mother of a child with cancer. I have lived this. I continue to live this. This is my life….my world. I walked into the same cave you have now entered. I, too, was filled with fear and questions. And I survived by executing as gracefully as possible and learning to live a positive life – learning what is truly important in life, learning how much energy to exert, learning to surround myself with positive people, learning to love myself and my life, and learning to embrace every minute of it.

So what is this book about? It’s about understanding, supporting, nurturing, and parenting a child who has just been diagnosed with a major illness. It’s those little things I wish I had known going into this and didn’t. So if you’re taking the time to read this, I commend you! It will help you get through this more gracefully. It also gives you permission to feel the way you do. Not that you need permission, especially from me, but it helps to hear encouragement and validation from someone who has been there.

Relay for Life 2010

2010-07-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

Houston Chronicle Article

2009-11-21T07:17:00.001-08:00

Katy Lifestyles & Homes Magazine

2009-09-11T08:46:00.001-07:00

Gulf Coast Tribune

2009-09-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

Fort Bend Herald Profile Article

2009-09-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

Fort Bend Herald Book Signing Article

2009-09-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

Halliburton TODAY Article

2009-09-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

Houston Chronicle Article

2009-09-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

Comments/Tell Me Your Story

2009-07-07T08:28:00.001-07:00

Book Signing / Speaking Dates

2009-06-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

August 29, 2009
5pm to 8pm
Rosa Rita's Mexican Restaurant
15407 Hwy 36
Needville, TX
979-793-7672

September 10, 2009
6pm to 8pm
Dunn Bros Coffee
6825 S Fry Rd
Katy, TX
281-693-2228

September 12, 2009
10am to noon
Dunn Bros Coffee
Briar Forest & Eldridge
Houston, TX

September 20, 2009
The Fellowship of Cinco Ranch Church
Series: People of Influece (FAITH)
Testimony & Book Signing
22765 Westheimer Parkway
Katy, TX
281-395-3950
http://www.thefellowship.org/

BlogRadio Show *****NEW*****
When: January 20, 2010
Time: 7:30PM ( Houston Time)
How: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/letstalkaboutitcancersurvivorbook
Show Questions: 646-378-1253

Donations/Sponsorship

2009-06-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

There are so many parents in need of the information contained in this book. I think back to my night in the hospital knowing the next day my baby boy was going to get chemo for the first time. SCARED TO DEATH!! No one, who had been there, could tell me what to expect. I had no information except medical information which scared me even more. I wish I would have spent a couple of those sleepless hours reading this little book. I would have at least been comforted by knowing I wasn't alone......If you would like to help parents in need going through such a difficult time, please send me an email tracy_r_gray@smileforyourchild.com. Pricing discounts will be given based on the volume you wish to purchase. You will also get to choose the recipient of your donation. Many non-proft organizations provide counseling but do not have funds to purchase resource material. They are always thrilled to receive material to give to those in need.One day it could be you in need......

Publishing/Marketing

2009-03-02T12:31:00.001-08:00

I had always envisioned publishing this book with a portion of the profit going to charitable organizations focused on finding a cure for children's diseases or those providing support to families dealing with a child being diagnosed with a major illness. I was going through the literature given to me when Blake was diagnosed this past weekend. I discovered that one of the books was published by Candlelighters, one of the organizations that has an office in Texas Children's Hospital. I spoke with an old contact at Texas Childrens and she explained that all literature given to their patients or patients' parents must go through a literature review. It doesn't matter how the book is published. So.....I have to get the book written and published before I can start pursuing hospitals and organizations to support. Still a long way to go....

Timeline

2009-02-23T10:56:00.000-08:00

I have set a goal to have this book publish by this November. This blog site was created to share my progress. Look for updates!

What's this about?

2009-02-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

My name is Tracy Gray. About 6 months ago, I made a decision to share my story in hopes of making life a little easier for those going through the same experience I lived. My avenue for doing this? I am writing a book. About 4 years ago, my 13-month old baby boy was diagnosed with Wilm's Tumor, a children's cancer of the kidney. It was the most difficult thing I've ever been through, but it taught me very valuable life lessons. It taught me how to live. It taught me to focus on what is truly important in life. It made me a stronger person. It was an opportunity for self-growth and self-discovery. I want others to have this same experience. How do you turn such a negative situation into something so postive? This is what my book is about. It's a parent's guide to finding positive energy during diagnosis, treatment, and life after.